One very large problem I've read about using such a concept for a bomber is the kind of enemy responses, due to how it delivers weaponry. Since such a system wouldn't have problems with most typical radars, it would likely get picked up by ones used to detect RV's in space. By releasing a bomb at high velocity from such a high altitude it could appear as a ballistic missle releasing RV's. Nobody wants a conventional weapon that might get a nuclear retaliation.

Very good point Tacamo, I just don't see the need for this in the current climate. Develop it sure, test it sure, but spend countless billions? Please God no. Just spend it on training and equipment for the men on the ground. We need it more down where the metal meets the meat. Maybe work on some better, lighter, personal armor. It would be cheaper.

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"Nothing wrong with shooting as long as the right people get shot" – CLINT EASTWOOD
21B Combat Engineer US ARMY

I would think a system like this would be developed as a replacement for nuclear ICBMs - though they could still use MIRV systems - its just a replacement for the delivery vehicle. I think I saw this on the military/wings channel (one of the Discovery channels) once, and it made it sound like it was being developed for the sole purpose of nuclear weapons delivery.

it would be kind of pointless to launch a 500 pound bomb from the states, have it detected as a nuclear weapon, get nuclear retaliation, ect - when the same 500 pound bomb could have been delivered from conventional bombers or cruise missles, ect... not to mention the cost effectiveness of one of these things for conventional bombs compared to a cruise missle or gravity dropped bomb (from a plane)

what happened to the balloon, no fuel costs and helium one have no thermal signature. COuld make it stealth and it would be amazing, albiet alittle on the slow side - use that stream of air high up (cant remember name, but carries thigns along way).